Releasing music is easier than ever, thanks to advanced tech and connectivity. But there are still several factors that go into a successful release, whether you’re a brand new artist or have already gone platinum.
Let’s walk through the eight main factors that go into releasing music so that you can bring your signature sound to the public without a hitch.
1. The Perfect Recording (and Mix)
Great artists are perfectionists, and it may take time to get a recording to sound the way you want. Apply those high standards to a full album, and you’ve got a project that can take more than a year to complete.
However, you’ll eventually need to release the album as is, even if it falls short of perfection in your eyes. Be sure to hold on to those master recordings and copy them to extra hard drives and cloud servers for added assurance.
2. Release Info, Track Listings, and Cover Art
You probably didn’t get into the music biz to do data entry, but this information is critical when you upload your tracks to a music distribution service and submit entries to sites like AllMusic and Discogs.
It’s not the most thrilling part of the release process, but it will ensure all information is accurate across every internet resource, now and forever.
3. Digital Distribution (Major Platforms)
People stream music everywhere, all the time, using platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube to hear what they want. Record labels typically handle these contacts and get the music up and running on these platforms, but independent creators must take another path.
Luckily, today’s distribution services are full-featured, foolproof, and affordable for all. You can get your latest release on the top platforms ASAP, even if you aren’t technologically inclined or on a shoestring budget.
4. Copyrighting and Licensing
Too many great artists have lost out on royalties and encountered other issues by skipping this important step. Copyright your music from the getgo and you will protect yourself, your bandmates, and other partnerships along the way.
Securing copyrights for recordings and compositions is fairly straightforward, but licensing can be somewhat of a maze. If you have the extra funds, consult with a lawyer to get everything sorted before you drop a new album or single.
In the internet era, when every stream counts towards your earnings, you want to maximize your legal protections to get exactly what you deserve.
5. Release Day Events
The day of the big release is right around the corner, so what do you have planned? The music should be the central focus, but it always pays off to promote your new album with a party or social gathering.
Live music venues in your area will often be happy to host one of these events, as long as the food and drinks are flowing! You can perform a few tracks from the album, get the word out about the release, sell merch, make connections, and put your name on the map.
At the very least, make a big social media announcement to remind fans about your latest projects.
6. Social Media Strategy
It seems like modern musicians are part-time social media influencers and part-time performers. To succeed in competitive fields like rock or hip-hop, your Instagram and Twitter game need to be on point.
This means building your following at every opportunity, posting original stuff consistently, engaging with fans directly, and collaborating with music and business partners when given the chance.
A high-volume approach seems to work best on social platforms, and be sure to hype up a new release long before it drops.
7. Press Kits and Public Relations
If you don’t have a polished electronic press kit (EPK), now is the perfect time to create one. A comprehensive kit should include photos, videos, achievements and accolades, and of course – music.
You’ll want to circulate your EPK as much as possible in the leadup to your new release, and keep connecting with venues and promoters to keep the hype train rolling long after.
8. Live Shows, Tours, and More
Your stage show may be lacking after months in the studio, so it’s time to get back on the road. Have a short tour set up to promote your latest release, or at least play a few gigs around town.
After all, you can only do so much promotion online before the rubber hits the road! Live performances will never go out of style, and it’s a huge differentiating factor in an artist’s career.
Put the Odds in Your Favor
There’s no denying that hard work, talent, and a dash of luck play a role when releasing music. However, you can put yourself in the best position to succeed by sticking to this checklist and treating your music career like the serious business it is.
Continue to master your craft in the studio and on stage, and there’s no limit to what you can achieve in the 21st-century music scene.
